Great Blue Heron Casino — Land-Based Casino 2026
Key Facts
- Address: 3000 Mississaugas Road, Port Perry, ON L9L 1B6
- Phone: 1-866-WIN-1997 (1-866-946-1997)
- Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Operator: Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation / Great Canadian Gaming
- Gaming positions: 600+ slot machines, 60+ table games
- Entry age: 19+ (Ontario requirement)
- Parking: Free parking (extensive lot on-site; valet available)
- Nearest major city: Port Perry town centre, 2 km; Toronto, ~80 km southwest
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; accessible parking and facilities available
- Hotel: Delta Hotels by Marriott Port Perry on-site (140+ rooms)
The Casino Floor
Great Blue Heron's gaming area spans two levels with a layout designed for both casual and serious players. The slot machine section occupies the larger floor space, with denominations ranging from pennies to high-limit machines offering progressive jackpots. Table games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and Caribbean Stud Poker, spread across the main floor and high-limit salons for larger-stake play.
Poker Room
The poker room is a notable draw, especially for the Greater Toronto Area. Cash games run daily in Texas Hold'em and Omaha, typically spread from 1/2 blinds up to higher stakes depending on demand. Tournament play includes weekly and monthly events, with occasional special series (exact schedule varies seasonally; check the casino's website for current offerings). The poker room is casual but serious—expect skill-based competition rather than a purely recreational vibe.
Slot Selection and Jackpots
Video lottery terminals include familiar titles from IGT, Konami, and other major suppliers. Progressive multi-site jackpots are linked through the Great Canadian Gaming network, occasionally reaching six figures. The high-limit slot area features premium cabinets with larger bet denominations and faster payouts.
Table Games and Dealers
Live table games feature trained dealers and pit staff. Blackjack and roulette are staples; baccarat and other specialty games rotate based on player demand. Minimum bets typically start at $5 for blackjack during off-peak hours and rise during weekends and evenings.
Dining and Drinks
On-Site Restaurants
The Falls Restaurant serves casual dining with views overlooking the gaming floor. Menu includes standard North American fare—burgers, pasta, steaks—with moderately priced entrées (roughly $15–$30). Hours align with casino operations.
Reds Sports Bar is the casual grab-and-go option, serving wings, nachos, and pub fare during peak gaming hours. The bar itself is lively during sporting events and tournaments, with multiple screens for simultaneous viewing.
Hotel Dining
The on-site Delta Hotels has restaurant and bar facilities, typically offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner service to both hotel guests and walk-in diners.
Alcohol service is strictly managed: patrons can carry drinks into gaming areas, but staff monitor intoxication levels and will refuse service or entry if necessary.
Hotel and Accommodation
Delta Hotels by Marriott Port Perry
The casino's attached Delta Hotels property offers approximately 140 rooms, ranging from standard to suite configurations. Room rates vary seasonally; expect $120–$200 CAD per night for standard rooms on weekdays and $160–$280 on weekends (prices fluctuate—verify directly with the hotel). Amenities include a fitness centre, pool, and business facilities. Guests enjoy direct access to the casino floor from their rooms.
If Staying Nearby
Port Perry itself has a small hospitality market. A few independent inns and motels are within 5–15 km, though the Delta is the most convenient choice for casino visitors.
Getting There and Parking
Driving
From Toronto, take the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) north, merge onto Highway 404, and continue north to Highway 7 East toward Whitby/Oshawa. Follow Highway 7 east for approximately 40 kilometres, then turn north on Scugog Street (Highway 7 East) toward Port Perry. The casino is well-signed from Highway 7. Total drive time from downtown Toronto is typically 75–90 minutes, depending on traffic.
From the Greater Toronto Area (Markham, Richmond Hill, Scarborough): Highway 404 north to Highway 7 East is the most direct route.
Parking
Free parking is available in the large lot adjacent to the casino. Overflow and valet parking are available during peak times (weekends, evenings). The lot is well-lit and has designated accessible spaces.
Public Transit
GO Transit does not operate direct service to Port Perry. The nearest GO stop is Whitby Station, roughly 25 km south, which is not a practical casino trip endpoint. Most visitors drive or use ride-share services (Uber, Lyft available in Port Perry, though surge pricing applies late evening).
Entertainment and Events
Recurring Events and Promotions
The casino hosts weekly and monthly slot tournaments, often with prize pools ranging from $500 to $10,000 depending on the event. Poker tournaments include Wednesday evening regular events and seasonal series (schedule varies; check the website).
Occasional live music and entertainment acts perform in the casino lounge or dedicated venue space. Sports viewing is available throughout the property during major events (Stanley Cup Finals, Grey Cup, Super Bowl, March Madness).
Seasonal Programming
Holiday promotions, summer events, and anniversary celebrations are common. The casino publishes a promotions calendar on its website and via email club signup.
Responsible Gaming on Site
Self-Exclusion and Player Protection
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission (OLG) oversees responsible gaming standards at Great Blue Heron. The casino offers:
- PlaySmart self-exclusion program, allowing patrons to voluntarily ban themselves from entry for periods ranging from weeks to permanently.
- Information on spending limits, time limits, and recognizing problem gambling signs are posted throughout the property.
- Trained staff can direct patrons to counseling resources.
ATMs and Cash Access
Multiple ATMs are throughout the casino. The casino does not impose withdrawal limits within gaming areas, but encourages patrons to set personal spending caps before entry.
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol is served to gaming patrons but subject to Ontario liquor licensing rules. Staff are trained to refuse service to visibly intoxicated patrons.
Online Alternative for Ontario Players
If you cannot visit Port Perry, Ontario players have legal gaming options through OLG.ca (the official Ontario online casino and sports betting hub) and PROLINE+ (the province's licensed online sportsbook). Both are operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and offer slots, live dealer tables, and sports betting from home. Several other iGO-registered operators also offer comparable games. See our full Ontario online casino guide for details on licensing, bonuses, and top-rated platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Great Blue Heron Casino's hours? Great Blue Heron is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Table games and poker room hours may vary during off-peak times; contact the casino directly or check their website for current operating hours for specific games.
Is Great Blue Heron Casino 19+? Yes, all Ontario gaming venues, including Great Blue Heron, enforce a 19+ age requirement. Valid government-issued ID is required at entry.
Does Great Blue Heron Casino have free parking? Yes, parking is free in the on-site lot. Valet service is also available.
Is there a hotel attached to Great Blue Heron Casino? Yes, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Port Perry is directly connected to the casino, offering 140+ rooms and direct access to the gaming floor.
What's the drive time from Toronto? Expect 75–90 minutes from downtown Toronto via Highway 404 North to Highway 7 East, depending on traffic.
Does Great Blue Heron Casino have a poker room? Yes, the poker room operates cash games (Texas Hold'em, Omaha) daily and hosts weekly and monthly tournaments. Visit the casino's website or call for current schedule and stakes.
Are there ATMs at Great Blue Heron Casino? Yes, multiple ATMs are throughout the property for cash withdrawals.
Is Great Blue Heron Casino Worth the Trip?
Great Blue Heron suits regional players seeking a mid-range Ontario casino without the drive to larger hubs like Niagara Falls or Windsor. It's a solid weekend break for Greater Toronto Area residents—the attached Delta hotel makes it convenient for an overnight stay—and the poker room has enough regulars and tournament structure to appeal to serious players. The 24-hour operation and free parking also remove friction for casual visits.
The venue is not a destination casino in the class of Las Vegas or a full resort like Niagara's Fallsview; table-game selection is modest, and dining is casual-to-midscale. Expect regional casino energy rather than glitz. A mid-week visit (Tuesday to Thursday) typically offers shorter table waits and a more relaxed atmosphere than weekend evenings.
First-time visitors should arrive with a clear entertainment budget and sense of their stakes—the poker room in particular attracts skilled players, so casual cash-game play requires realistic expectations.
Responsible Gaming Reminder: Great Blue Heron Casino is open to adults 19+. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, Ontario offers free, confidential support through ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 (call or chat 24/7). The PlaySmart self-exclusion program at the casino allows you to voluntarily restrict access. For information on responsible gaming, visit OLG.ca/responsiblegaming.